Places to Eat Along the Way

Karen and I get to travel some across the state and occasionally we find a great place to eat. If you are ever in Murfreesboro, let me recommend a place called Jeff's. Great southern food, and some wonderful desserts I hear. When in Franklin, you need to check out Barbara's out on Highway 46. The outside of her place looks like a home that would be considered for a World Changers project. But inside, you will find some of the best food around, and the yeast rolls are to die for.

When in Bell Buckle, you've got to check out the Bell Buckle Cafe. The atmosphere and the food are both great. Try the oatmeal cake with carmel sauce. You'll be glad you did. If you are ever in Hohenwald, TN then you need to try the Junk Yard Dog. There motto is "come in for a bite." Another good choice for some small town good eats with an urban restaurant flare.

In Centerville, TN there is a place called the Farmhouse. It is on the court square, and you have to walk through the antique store to get to the restaurant. But the walk is worth it. In the basement several times a year, they have a dinner theater, where plays written by a local writer are performed by the locals. If the taste of the food is any indication of the quality of the plays, then a trip to the home of Minnie Pearl would certainly be worth it.

As you travel along your journey, ask the locals where they eat. and then prepare yourself to enjoy a great meal with plenty of atmosphere. You'll be glad you did.

The Journey Continues

For some time now I have considered the possibility of doing something different. I have been at my present vocation for almost 30 years. However, every time I consider this thought, I am reminded of this one fact. There is nothing else I would rather do.

Reception for the Newlyweds

Yesterday was a great day. My wife and I hosted a reception for our daughter and her new husband. They were married in February and this was an opportunity for some of our friends and family to meet my daughter's spouse. I have to say that my daughter looked lovely. I was so proud of her, and she seemed genuinely grateful for all we did.

Friends and family are the best. We had about 13 different people come for the party. Each person was able to show their love and appreciation for the young couple. They received several cards in the mail wishing them the best, and will be able to get several items for their new home with all the cash and gift cards received.

All in all we had a lot of fun. We ended the day eating out with five of our closest friends. We all have been together for about 24 years. No matter where we have been we have always been able to count on these folks. They truly are the best of friends.

I want to take this time to personally wish my daughter and her husband the best. He leaves for Iraq soon, and they will be separated for at least a year, maybe even longer. It is our hope that once his deployment is over, they will be able to reconnect and enjoy their journey together.

Lunch in Bell Buckle

My wife and I spent the last two days at a conference in Manchester, TN. On our way home today, we made a small detour to a great little place called Bell Buckle, TN. We had lunch at the Bell Buckle Cafe. I had the vegetable plate with greens, beans, corn and strawberry spinach salad. Karen went with the country fried steak, cucumber tomato salad and mac and cheese. We both had fried cornbread and shared a dessert. The dessert was oatmeal cake covered with caramel sauce. The cake was very similar to a cake my grandmother made that Karen used to love.

As you have probably guessed by now, the meal was fantastic. The whole experience was awesome. Even our server gave us a reason to smile. This young lady was waiting tables, going to cosmetology school and MTSU majoring in business. Her plans are to have her own business some day, and after spending just a few minutes with her we both believe she will.

After lunch we walked the town, which did not take long. We met a gentleman that has lived his whole life there who's parents run the best ice cream place in town. Unfortunately we were stuffed, so we will just have to take his word for it. He talked about the festivals at Bell Buckle. The pride of joy of festivals is the Moon Pie and RC festival coming up some time this summer. The gentleman said that about 25,000 people will crowd into this little town and enjoy all the festivities associated with this event that started a few years back when Bell Buckle threw the Moon Pie a 75th birthday party.

Our time in Bell Buckle passed way too fast. After getting directions we headed out agreeing that this sidetrack to our journey was well worth it indeed.

Donations Needed for 5K Run/Walk

On May 30, 2009 the Brentwood Campus of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk. This year the event will be a little different. Instead of an entry fee runners/walkers are being challenged to raise support for their efforts. Personally, I hope to raise $1000. In order to do that I need your help. If you are willing to sponsor my walk not run then here is what you need to do. Send your check made out to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes to my attention at 1310 Franklin Road, P.O. Box 2206 Brentwood, TN 37024. All donations must be received by May 30th. I made the walk last year, so I know you will be sponsoring a winning effort. Be sure to send your name, address and email address along with your donation. By the way, TBCH is a nonprofit organization, so your gifts are tax deductible. To learn more about this event check out www.tnrun4kids.com.

Here Comes What's His Name

It is always good to see old friends. However, this pleasant experience is not without it's challenges. Have you ever seen someone looking your way smiling as if they know you and yet you don't have a clue who they are? Well, that happens to me more than I would like. This weekend, my wife and I are in Gatlinburg at an event with a lot of people we have met and known over the years. So, there are times when someone walks up to us and I have to confess I know them from somewhere, but certainly can not call their name. But, there is some good news. As you know, at most conventions one of the things you get at registration is a name tag. And again, let the games begin.

Most of these name tags are hung from the neck by a small thin like cord. These cords tend to twist, and most of the time leave the person's name pointing in the wrong direction. Or, the name is pointing right at you, but with age the ability to read the name becomes less of a possibility. And of course, penmanship is a whole other issue. Quite frankly, some people simply have a hard time using a Sharpie and printing their name so that others can read it.

And then, just before you embarrass yourself, the clouds break and the name becomes clear. You stretch out your hand, and with a big smile you call the person by name and begin your conversation.

One Year and One Week and Counting

I just finished my first week at work minus three full time staff people. Although there were and will continue to be adjustments, it seems that there is still some hope. As people assume new responsibilities they begin to see things from a new perspective. What once was left for someone else to do, is now taken care of with very little time delay. Those who were not very involved in the past are now stepping up to the plate and making themselves useful. Not everything goes as planned, but even in the best of times that is true.

As I approach my first anniversary at this job, I am amazed at the kind of year it has been. Granted, it would seem on the surface to be a less than stellar. However, it has been a challenging year, and one that has forced me to work hard at doing what is right and leading others to do the same. I would not wish some of the decisions I have had to make on anyone. But I wouldn't want to be any other place.

If you ask me if the journey thus far was what I expected, I guess I would have to tell you no. I really am not sure what I expected, but one thing is for sure, the older I get the fewer surprises there are. Maybe the year has not been mapped out just like I would have drawn it. But, here I am still on the journey and waiting to see what's next.

House Guests

My wife and I were privileged to have house guests the last two evenings. Two of the young ladies that live on our campus needed a place for a couple of days and we graciously invited them to stay with us. Since we are not a daily part of their lives, it took a little time for everyone to get use to each other. But after awhile everyone seemed to be getting along just fine.

We were reminded throughout their stay how different their lives our compared to children who grow up in their own homes. Things that we take for granted are luxuries for these young ladies. Sitting around a table that seats four instead of ten, sleeping in a bedroom without alarms on the windows or doors, and being just a little more relaxed are just a few of the many notable things that were observed.

Who enjoyed the weekend the most is still up for debate. My wife certainly enjoyed the company, and the privilege of taking care of these young ladies. However, I do believe both of them enjoyed it as well. Now no one is being fooled, if they lived with us for a time, they would be just as bummed out about our rules as they are in the cottages where they live. But for a couple of days it was a joy to be with them and to let them be with us.

As an administrator it is rare that I have the opportunity to get this close to what it is we do here. Having had this experience brought back some fond memories of what it was like some 20 years ago when we took care of children in Texas. It also reminded us of how much we miss having our girls around the house. It is certainly something that we both know we would like to do again.

Celebrating 70 Years

In just a few short days, my uncle will turn seventy. A pretty significant milestone in its own right. Accompany that with the fact that he is the oldest living male in my family's history, that we know of, makes this an even greater accomplishment. I am pretty proud of my uncle. He is retired Navy and a decorated hero from the Vietnam war. But more importantly than that he will always hold a very special place in my heart. Thirty seven years ago today, my father and his brother died of a massive heart attack. It was Roy that was assigned the task of coming to where I was sleeping at my grandmother's house to give me the worse news a 10 year old boy could ever hear. I often wondered how he was chosen for that assignment. Perhaps it was because he was the oldest sibling and back in the day things like that mattered. Or maybe it was because it was something that had to be done, and as a soldier he saw to it. I don't know why, but I am sure glad he did.

Later in the day, as family and friends began to gather at my grandmother's home I heard my uncle explaining to his oldest son what had happened. Very simply Uncle Bennie had gone to heaven. I don't remember a lot about my uncle for the rest of that day, or even through the funeral services that followed. However, I will never forget waking up and seeing his face the morning of my father's death. Of all the medals that decorate the uniform of my uncle, none are any more meaningful to me than the one earned that day in grandmother's back bedroom on December 23, 1971. Thanks Uncle Roy, and Happy Birthday!

An Economic Crisis of Historical Proportions

Our money contains a phrase that for some is offensive, and for others it is routinely ignored. The phrase is, "In God we trust." For someone like myself it is really no real challenge to write blogs and talk about this economic crisis as if it were something that happened over there and not at my house. However, I think it is safe to say that it could very well be my turn next. How will I respond to the notion that my family is one paycheck away from serious financial trouble? How will I respond to the inability to put food on the table and pay my bills?

There's a story in the Bible regarding Peter's need to pay his taxes. With no money, and no immediate plans to make any, Peter went to Jesus with his dilemma. Jesus instructed Peter to go fishing. That sounds like a pretty relaxing thing to do when Peter was faced with an economic crisis of historical proportions. So, being the fisherman that he was, Peter followed Jesus' instructions and went fishing. The first fish he caught had in his mouth enough money to pay not only his taxes but Jesus' taxes as well.Maybe it's time I took a few days off and went fishing. Not a bad idea regardless of the outcome.

Let the Meals Begin

I had my first Thanksgiving meal yesterday. A kind group of folks from a local church brought the meal to our campus. Our students and adults enjoyed the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls and desserts. This particular church has been bringing the Thanksgiving meal to our campus for the last 16 years. Two of the original hosts were there last night. When they first came to our campus their daughter was in the sixth grade. She is now married and has children of her own, and she was with them last night. Sure this is only a once a year event, but to know that there are those who are willing to come every year with no plans to to not come in the foreseeable future is indeed impressive. So, thanks church for giving us all good reason to be thankful.

Searching for a Name

Time to take a few minutes away from writing about politics, and discuss a more important issue. I have three siblings and only one of us has a middle name. So, I am on a mission to find a middle name that will offset the very feminine name that I have carried all of my life. I put this search as my status on facebook and the suggestions have started to come in. So, for the three that I know who read this blog, now is your chance to put in your two cents worth. Send me a comment and let me know what you think.

I Love this Country

What a great lunch hour I had today. My wife and I had lunch at home and then drove to our public library. There we took part in one of the greatest privileges that all of us Americans have. We drove in the parking lot and spoke to a woman sitting under a shade tree next to a poster reminding passersby of the importance of life. We parked, made our way into the building and began to follow the signs to our final destination. We walked through the non-fiction section and through the reference books as well. And then, there it was just beyond the adult fiction, a sign that read, "Vote Here." We showed them our voters' registration cards, and signed our name on the dotted line, and then we waited for the next available booth.

A kind gentleman showed us how to use the computerized voting machine, and then graciously stepped away from the area. Then reality sits in, and you realize that this is by far the greatest opportunity ever given to us. We have the awesome privilege of stepping up to that booth and voting for the candidates who best reflect our personal philosophies and convictions. Granted, we will not all vote for the same individuals. As a matter of fact, if the last few elections are accurate indicators, we will be divided right down the middle. But we all share one common thing, and that is the power of the vote. It is the one time in American politics when we can all say that what we believes really matters. So, take some time to vote early, or make your way to the poles on November 4th and exercise this right, even if ironically you do so in the adult fiction area of the library.

What Happened to Being Philanthropic?

Philanthropy is defined by Webster as goodwill to fellowmen ; especially : active effort to promote human welfare. How does the idea of philanthropy differ from the "spread your wealth" mentality that has surfaced over the last several weeks? Very simply, one is out of the goodness of your heart, and the other is imposed on you by forces outside yourself. Rendering unto Casar what is Casar's is not the problem. The problem is taking what is mine against my will and giving to causes that are not in any way consistent with what I value or believe. In 2006 the good people of this country gave over $300 billion to charities. Left up to us, we will meet the needs of our fellow human beings. Now is not the time to force us to take what little is left after taxes and redistribute it so that, "we can even the playing field." There has never been nor will there ever be an even playing field. What gripes me the most is the very ones that talk about doing such as this want for nothing. There is enough discretionary income in this country to do more than we than we ever thought imaginable. Leave my money alone, and let me decide where to best put it. Most nonprofit, nongovernmental agencies are far better managers and produce much better results than any government run program out there.

As you travel this journey, look for worthy causes to invest your extra income. Take time to find out what you are interested in and dig deep to meet those needs. Nonprofits are in constant need of finances and volunteers to help do what they are called to do. Don't stand for those who would take what you have and do with what they want. Take what you have and do with it what you want. Invest in the lives of those less fortunate through people you know and trust. Most of us can give more than we think. So let's do it by our own volition, and not by the manipulations of the socialist politicians of our day.

What Teeth and Toes Have in Common

I read an ancient proverb today. Here is what it said, "Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble." Two of the most annoying pains in the world come from a bad tooth or a hurt toe. Grown men and women are known to cry over both. It effects almost everything we do. We are preoccupied with the pain and our need for relief. Neither the toe or the tooth are reliable in times like these. I believe the same could be said of the unfaithful things in life as well. Perhaps the lack of trust one might have in an unfaithful spouse, or the lack of confidence in an unfaithful employee. What about the unfaithful men and women who represent our republic? How reliable are they to solve the present crisis or any crisis for that matter. In our present situation voting is not an option, it is essential. And for those of you who are followers of Christ, remember how unhealthy it is to put much faith in anyone or anything other than Him. So as you continue on this journey, make sure you stop by your voting booth and make your voice heard.

Just a Thought

Webster defines socialism as, "any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods." Sound familiar?

What's In Your Wallet?"

A friend of mine, who served in the position I am in for about twelve years, sends out a thought for the day via email. Today, I received this note from him. Sometimes when we are on the journey, its nice just to be reminded of what is most important.

"Do not lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21

Easy Come Easy Go

Well after hearing that the stock market fell over 700 points today I made the mistake of checking on my retirement account. Needless to say things aren't looking good for early retirement. At the present rate my account should be depleted in about a year. Oh well, at least the price of oil fell today. See, there is always a silver lining. Maybe we could play those TV clips of President Roosevelt encouraging the nation after the stock market crashed in the late '20's. That should cheer us all up.

The truth is some times this journey is not much fun. No, it's not about the money. It's about all the uncertainty. It's about the choices people make, and the huge ramifications of those choices on others. It's about being frustrated with the way things are and powerless to do anything about it. Working for a nonprofit, I am reminded of how unstable things can be with so much volatility in the market and around the world. And, just once I wish I could turn on a news station and someone would be telling the truth. I grow tired of talking points that are so rehearsed that they remind us all of TV after the writers strike of last year.

Now, I feel better. You see my wife is away for a few days, and I can't stand watching the Steelers play with those yellow helmets.

Winners and Losers

"Talking Heads" usually drive me crazy. But every once in a while someone will say something that at least gets my attention. This morning a gentleman was discussing the 700 billion dollar bailout proposed by our government. He noted that the bailout was guaranteeing that the institutions involved would not fail. His concern was the message that would send to all of us that we should never let anyone fail. This is the same message that we teach from preschool and beyond. Children are not allowed to play games where there is a clear winner and loser because it might damage their psyche. The truth is there are winners and losers and there always will be. Until we spend time training up winners and teaching others how to lose gracefully, we will forever be bailing people out of messes. The greatest feeling in the world is winning at anything. However, the greatest lessons learned come from our defeats. Thomas Edison failed over 10,000 times before he discovered the light bulb. If someone had bailed him out, we would be sitting in the dark trying to figure out how to come up with this 700 billion dollars.

Planning for the Future

I just finished reading a book entitled, "Leadership Jazz" by Max DePree. In the epilogue he recounts this story. I will let you draw your own conclusions regarding applications to your journey. As for me, it is a reminder of how important it is to consider the impact of the present on the future. Decisions made today may play a critical role in the plans of tomorrow.

In the late fourteenth century, the members of New College, at Oxford, moved into their quadrangle, the first structure of its kind, intended to provide for the residents all that they needed. On the north side of the quadrangle sit the chapel and the great hall, beautiful buildings and, as you might imagine, the focus of the life of the college.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, almost five hundred years later, the college hired architect Sir Gilbert Scott to restore the roof of the hall. The roof and the great oak beams that supported it had badly rotted. And so representatives from the college with Sir Gilbert visited Great Hall Woods, in Berkshire, where they expected to find trees for replacement beams. Sure enough, the replacements were standing there, waiting to be hewn out of the living oak trees planted a century before for just that purpose.

An anonymous leader's promise had been fulfilled. The voice and touch of a distant leader had been joined.